A WARRNAMBOOL magistrate Franz Holzer sent a clear message about family violence this week while addressing an alleged victim described by police as "a person who needs protection from herself".
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After hearing about an incident in which a man assaulted his partner, Magistrate Franz Holzer took the opportunity to address the victim in court.
"Your partner has treated you poorly," Magistrate Holzer said, adding that he would have imposed a tougher sentence if she was not in court to support him.
He told the woman no one should be treated the way she had been on the night of the assault.
"You're within a hair's breath of going inside," he told the man, before imposing a $600 fine.
He also remanded a man in custody who has been accused of family violence, despite his partner denying this.
Detective Sergeant Jason Dance told the court the alleged victim had regularly attended her workplace with blackened eyes, cuts to her body and had refused to remove full length clothing - even in sweltering hot conditions.
He told the court he opposed bail, saying he did not believe any conditions imposed would mitigate the risk of harm to the alleged victim.
Police prosecutor Sandra Skilton said the alleged victim needed help.
"Unfortunately she is a person who needs protection from herself," she told the court.
Magistrate Holzer said he was not persuaded the offending would be reduced to an acceptable level with conditions imposed on the accused and opposed bail.
The accused sat in the dock during the hearing and as he was led away loudly said: "I'm sorry (alleged victim's name), I love you."
The alleged victim, who was supported by family members in court, began sobbing uncontrollably after the ruling was handed down.
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